Impact of Destination Perception on Tourists’ Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
The extent to which visitors' expectations of a place are met is an important factor that can have a
significant influence on the nature of their trip as a whole. Destination perception refers to how travelers
perceive a particular destination before visiting it, often influenced by various factors such as word-ofmouth, advertising, online reviews, and personal expectations. The impression that travellers have of a
place plays a key part in deciding the degree to which they will enjoy both their time there and their time
after they have left. When travellers have a favourable impression of their destination, it makes them
more likely to arrive with high expectations and the hope of having a memorable and enjoyable
experience there. Consequently, if the actual experience aligns with their perceptions, it can lead to
increased satisfaction. On the other hand, if the destination fails to meet its perceived expectations, it can
result in disappointment and dissatisfaction. Destination perception can also influence tourists' decisionmaking process, including their choice of destination and activities. Positive perceptions may attract more
tourists to a particular place, leading to increased tourism revenue and economic growth for the
destination. Conversely, negative perceptions can deter potential visitors, resulting in a decline in tourism
and its associated benefits. To enhance tourists' satisfaction, destination management organizations and
tourism businesses must actively work on managing and shaping destination perceptions. This can be
achieved through effective marketing campaigns, providing accurate information, showcasing unique
attractions and experiences, and managing online reviews and social media presence.
Keywords
Destination Perception, Tourists' Satisfaction, Travel Experience, Online Reviews, Personal Expectations, Positive Perception, Negative Perception